Well, it also helps he's performing at the highest level of his career right now. I can't ever remember announcers/commentators giving Doughty kudos prior to this season. I think he's a borderline starter as SS for us now and one hell of a backup. In fact, if we have/had a legit FS I think Doughty starting isn't a bad idea.

Indeed. Single-handidly blew up a couple/few plays on the back-field and otherwise had some great stops. It was his best game of the season, but he looked good in the 2nd half of the season IMO.

Just saying, we all know how limited the team is per cap space. Would I like an upgrade at SS? Sure. But want in one hand, shit in the other, and see which hand is more full at the end of the day. An upgrade at FS will help the D much more than replacing Doughty if he starts at SS.

BTW, is BM better at SS or FS? I thought it was SS but some have implied he's a FS...

Doughty absolutely balled out in that Seattle game, BUT he is not a starting NFL safety, good depth and special teams player. I believe Merriweather can be a decent starter if he can just stay healthy. We need to draft at least 1 difference maker at safety. Someone that can make a play. I think upgrading here will do wonders for our defense. Also wouldnt mind checking out Huff at safety for cheap.

People need to remember, just because Doughty was our second best safety last season, that doesn't mean he would even make the roster on half of the NFL squads. The guy is a familiar bandaid that can come up and make a good tackle or two, but suffers greatly when asked to cover or run someone down.

We need a true starting FS more than any other position on the team right now. If we can get a solid starter in the draft, like has been said before on this board numerous times, our CB AND SS play will take a step up drastically, and paired with our decent run defense, we would be a much improved squad.

You keep the same secondary as last year or worse, and it will be very hard to repeat as NFCE champs, just for the fact that Robert won't be 100%. If we EVER needed our defense to step up to grow as a team, its this year. I do not see the offense carrying the defense this upcoming season. There has to be balance, or there will be disaster.

The way I see it, Our postseason hopes lie with our secondary. If improved even just slightly, we will make a serious run. If we stay the same or get worse (hard to foresee the latter), then making the playoffs, especially with our schedule against some really top rate QB's, is going to be even tougher than last year, even with depleted Giants and Eagles rosters.

Indeed. Single-handidly blew up a couple/few plays on the back-field and otherwise had some great stops. It was his best game of the season, but he looked good in the 2nd half of the season IMO.

Just saying, we all know how limited the team is per cap space. Would I like an upgrade at SS? Sure. But want in one hand, shit in the other, and see which hand is more full at the end of the day. An upgrade at FS will help the D much more than replacing Doughty if he starts at SS.

BTW, is BM better at SS or FS? I thought it was SS but some have implied he's a FS...

FS, who can play SS, but his ball hawking skills far outweigh his tackling.

Just to clarify, im all for Reed returning. Easily his best season last year. He is a much needed leader. I like him on special teams and in certain packages than put him in the box. But we need a starter to step up at the SS position.

Just to clarify, im all for Reed returning. Easily his best season last year. He is a much needed leader. I like him on special teams and in certain packages than put him in the box. But we need a starter to step up at the SS position.